Women and Children, Abuja, to "the National Hospital,
Abuja", passed through its second reading on the floor of
the House of Representatives yesterday.
Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Rep. Ali Ahmad (APC, Kwara), said it was meant to reflect change in the
hospital's name to the National Hospital; which it has
been so-called since May, 2010.
According to him, the National Hospital for Women and
Children was originally established to cater for only
women and children.
The lawmaker noted that the change of name was
necessary because the hospital's services had extended
to all Nigerians irrespective of gender.
"This amendment is imperative to reflect the realities on
ground. The hospital is no longer for women and children
alone; it is now for all Nigerians", he said.
Recall that the hospital was formally established under
Decree 36 of 1999 (Act 36 of 1999) and was
commissioned by then Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami
Abubakar on 22 May, 1999.
The bill to change the name was supported by
lawmakers across party divides including Friday Itulah
(PDP, Edo). The lawmaker said it was the right step in
the right direction.
He said: "This change of name is right. It is the
parliament that has the responsibility to effect the
change. It is only proper that we reflect what is
happening by changing the name to National Hospital,
Abuja".
The House also passed the Federal Capital Territory
Administration (FCTA) and the Niger Delta Development
Commission (NDDC) 2014 bills through second reading
yesterday.
The FCTA bill has N271.13 billion estimate, while the
NDDC's has an expenditure estimates of N322.6 billion.
Both bills were referred to the Committee on the FCT
and the NDDC for further legislative input.
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